As an alternative to a laminectomy, the surgeon may elect to expand the spinal canal by repositioning the lamina in a laminoplasty operation rather than removing it completely in a laminectomy. On the right side of the illustration, the lamina has been cut through and opened. On the left side, the lamina has been scored and folded back. In this case, small metal plates are used to help the lamina heal in its altered configuration.